Virtual Learning Community

"To be their for the global church", words from an interview with Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski in the November 11-24 issue of National Catholic Reporter.  The "Reaching learners no matter how far: Catholic universities embrace online education, see future in blending Internet, traditional classroom" article highlighted the Institute for Pastoral Initatives pioneering adventures into online learning guided by Sr. Angela Ann.   She stated, "Online education really goes back to the 1970s when cable television and satellite communications."  Today, the VLCFF initiative within IPI reaches 37 countries offering e-courses to approximately 4,000 students ... "I have to say that our success has to be God's work."   The VLCFF broadened their technological reach in February 2011 when the program's students participated in the University of Dayton's first Virtual Conference Center conference.  The VCC connects online users to the on-site conference.  This allows the participants to interact through live video, chat rooms, and Twitter feeds.  The next Virtual Conference is scheduled for March 8 and 9, 2012.

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VLCFF student assistant, Cassie Schemmel '13, made news in the online UDQuickly (University of Dayton News & Views). Cassie was one of several UD students who throughout the month of November sported a mustache (fake, of course, in her case) to raise monies for the M of UD charity event. Cassie was the only female participant, and she said she grew accustomed to people looking strangely at her. The donated money was used to support more than 500 families during the Thanksgiving holiday.  We are so proud of you, Cassie!

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VLCFF courses have become an integral part of the Newman Theological College of Edmonton, Canada program for preparation of their lay ministers.  Father Stefano Penna, NTC's vice president of college development and advancement says, "We have designed a program that in one year, for a very reasonable price, will allow them [students] to have a foundational experience in the fundamental dimensions of Catholicism."  The Western Catholic Reporter writes, "The program is in collaboration with the University of Dayton, which has established an online community of learning. More than a correspondence course, the students will gain instruction via a user-friendly online discussion format."  Read the full article http://bit.ly/sRmW1I

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2012 Course Offerings for Cycle 1 are open for registration.  See what is offered at http://vlc.udayton.edu/calendar/#cycle-1a.  Register early to avoid the holiday rush.  What a great way to begin the new year that is fast approaching.  We aim to offer courses that are beneficial and convenient to you.

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Fr. Dave Dwyer interviewed Sr. Angela Ann on his nationally syndicated radio program, The Busted Halo Show, this past summer.  The interview gives the listeners an overview of the VLCFF's mission and purpose.  Sr. Angela Ann focused particulaly on the New Roman Missal course VLCFF offers.  To hear the interview in its entirety go to http://bit.ly/nd2sQV 

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Fr. Dave Dwyer interviewed Sr. Angela Ann on his nationally syndicated radio program, The Busted Halo Show, this past summer.  The interview gives the listeners an overview of the VLCFF's mission and purpose.  Sr. Angela Ann focused particulaly on the New Roman Missal course VLCFF offers.  To hear the interview in its entirety go to http://bit.ly/nd2sQV 

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Sr. Angela Ann Zukowski was among those attending the first graduation class for 17 students earning their Masters of Arts in Catholic School Leadership.  Graduation was held September 9 in the southern Caribbean.  Under her directorship, the VLCFF (Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation) provided many online courses to those newly master's graduates  We extend our CONGRATULATIONS to you graduates.

If you are interested in seeing the VLCFF Course Offerings for 2012, please go to http://vlc.udayton.edu/calendar/#2012

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For our final course cycle for 2011 enrollment approaches 900. We are excited and thrilled to have all of you students and facilitators.  May your lives be enlightened and much success to all.

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Sunday, September 11, commemorates the tenth anniversary of a very tragic event in the history of our nation. Let us pray that God may continue to give his divine consolation to the families who have lost members in that tragic event. And may God rest the souls of the victims. And let us, also, continue to pray for God's protection and guidance each and every day.

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Read Brittany Doucette's article explaining how the devastating event of 9/11 caused her to make life-changing decisions.  The entire article, published in Our Sunday Visitor, can be found at http://www.osv.com/tabid/7621/itemid/8344/From-911-comes-peace-that-surpasses-understandin.aspx.  This article brings home the fact that God works in mysterious ways.  God Bless us All.

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